𝗦𝗨𝗡 & 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗡 | ᴬᶰ ˢᵒᵒᴴᵒ 『English Version』

Introduction

The morning was cloudy, as they usually were every morning for Hyeori since Suho no longer called to wake her up.

The hospital's cold air sent shivers down her spine, and she cursed the moment she thought wearing a skirt was a good idea.

The young woman's hands ran gently and lovingly through the long strands of the boy's hair as he lay on the stretcher. His peaceful face, his eyes closed as if he were just taking a nap, made the brunette's heart race.

"He's just taking a long nap; he'll wake up when he's hungry."

Hyeori repeated it to herself over and over. Every time she saw him lying there, unmoving despite the way she tweezed his eyebrows—something that would normally make him flinch in pain or surprise—he remained still.

Of course, it hurt her, but when she felt the tears threatening to fall, she clung to that thought: that he'd wake up when his stomach growled, that suddenly he'd jump up looking for food or call her name in that sweet tone of his to ask for homemade soup.

She wished for it. More than anything in the world.

"Uhm, I think you're going to have to cut your hair when you wake up, sweetheart," she murmured, running her fingers through the fine strands of his dark hair. Hyeori knew Suho hated long hair—it bothered him when it touched the nape of his neck or his ears.

"You're the only one allowed to touch me. Why would I make an exception for my hair?"

She had always told him that medium-length hair suited him pretty well; she had seen it when he turned fifteen. But he simply didn't like it, so it didn't matter to her as long as he was comfortable.

He looked attractive either way.

"I visited Grandma yesterday. I bought some medicine for her..." the young woman said, resting her cheek on her hand while the other continued caressing his head as she sat on that low chair. "We ate some kimchi, and I helped her throw out a few things from her house. It was fun."

Her lips pressed together as that familiar urge to cry resurfaced. Her fingers traced his cheeks gently.

"I went to say goodbye to her," she admitted. "I'm moving to Yongdeungpo tonight." She murmured, almost as if she didn't want him to hear it. "I'll visit you once a week. I know it's not much, but at least I'll make sure you're okay."

No response.

Hyeori hated that. She never thought silence would ever be a thing between them. Suho always had something to say; silence between them had never been unwelcome. It made her uneasy.

"Excuse me, sweetheart, but visiting hours are over."

Hyeori heard the nurse—a woman in her fifties, perhaps. She knew her, had seen her since she started visiting Suho almost daily.

"I understand. I'll be out in a minute." The woman nodded and left the room. Hyeori stood up, running her fingers through Suho's hair once more before giving him a soft smile. "I have to go now, but I'll be back next week. Until then, promise me you'll get better, okay?" She smiled as if he could see her. "I love you, alright?"

She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead before pulling away. She picked up her keys from the bedside table and gave him one last look before turning around and walking toward the exit, a heavy weight settling in her chest.

Just like every time she left.

About twenty minutes later, she stepped into her apartment, smiling as her two dogs rushed toward her excitedly. "Hey, babies. I know you missed me. I hope you didn't mess up my luggage."

She cooed, running her fingers through their fur as they barked and wagged their tails under her affectionate touch.

"Daddy is fine. I told him you missed him a lot, so don't worry."

Hyeori smiled. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, prompting her to leave her dogs for a moment to take the call. It was her mother—a rare occurrence.

"Hello?"

"Hyeori, sweetheart, how are you? Do you have everything ready?"

"Yeah, I'm just waiting for the car," she replied, though her tone wasn't cheerful, nor was it cold. She was grateful her mother was helping her—after all, her father had completely distanced himself from her. "I'm leaving some things in the apartment. They're old, you can throw them out if you want..."

"Don't worry, we'll figure out what to do with them later," her mother replied in a soft voice. This wasn't supposed to be her responsibility. "Your cousin transferred your monthly allowance a few hours ago. Check your account. If you need more, don't hesitate to call me, alright?"

"Mom, I appreciate it, but I told you I'd look for a job—"

"Nonsense," her mother interrupted. "I'll help you as much as I can. You're my daughter, you... Just focus on finishing school. We'll think about work later or maybe even university... I heard Columbia—"

"Oh, I forgot to pack my books," Hyeori cut her off, steering the conversation away or ending it altogether. "Mom, thank you so much. I'll hang up now. I'll call you tomorrow when I get to the apartment."

"Alright, take care, okay?"

Hyeori bid her mother goodbye, lowering her arm with her phone still in hand. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, gazing at the ceiling. This year was going to be exhausting.

She could feel it.

Jax's bark pulled her back to the present. She looked down at him and smiled as he wagged his tail excitedly. "We'll be okay, right?"